The International Whaling Commission (IWC) faced a significant setback this week as it failed to establish a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary, marking another lost opportunity for whale conservation.

Despite robust support from environmental nations, the proposal fell short of the three-quarters majority required for approval, highlighting persistent divisions within the commission, Reuters reports.

Decades-Long Struggle for Protection

Since its inception, the IWC has grappled with balancing whaling interests and conservation efforts. Initially acting as a “whalers club,” the commission set high catch limits without effective enforcement, leading to significant declines in whale populations. According to WWF, these management shortfalls resulted in the depletion of species, particularly in the Antarctic, where populations of blue whales plummeted from approximately 250,000 to around 2,300.

The push for sanctuaries has been persistent, with Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and Uruguay spearheading the South Atlantic initiative. Despite nearly a quarter-century of advocacy, the proposal has consistently been blocked by pro-whaling nations, as highlighted by Humane Society International.

Matt Collis, Senior Director for Policy at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) stated, “Once again, a proposal for a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary has been harpooned by a pro-whaling minority of countries.”

Grettel Delgadillo from Humane Society International echoed this sentiment, expressing deep disappointment over the narrow defeat of the sanctuary proposal.

Japan’s Controversial Whaling Practices

Japan remains a contentious player in the IWC debates. Despite withdrawing from the commission in 2019, it continues its whaling activities under the guise of scientific research, contravening international expectations. This year alone, Japan expanded its whaling quota, adding 59 fin whales to its list, IFAW reports. Fin whales, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, have struggled to recover from decades of intensive hunting.

The IWC’s recent resolution reprimanded Japan for not fulfilling its legal obligations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signaling growing frustration among conservationists.

“Leaving the IWC did not relieve Japan of its international legal obligations,” Collis told IFAW.

Failed Sanctuary Proposal Details

The South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary proposal aimed to create a protected zone extending from West Africa to South America, safeguarding 53 species of whales and other cetaceans. The sanctuary sought to ban commercial whaling, enhance regional cooperation, and protect whales from bycatch and other threats, Reuters reports.

However, 14 countries opposed the initiative, including Norway, a major whaling nation.

Petter Meier of Norway criticized the proposal, arguing it was “completely unnecessary” and misaligned with the IWC’s goals. The narrow failure—40 votes in favor to 14 against with 3 abstentions—underscores the persistent influence of pro-whaling factions within the IWC, reports EIA International.

Global Moratorium Reinforced

Despite the setback on the sanctuary, the IWC reaffirmed its support for the global moratorium on commercial whaling. A resolution proposed by the European Union passed with 37 votes in favor, 12 against, and 8 abstentions, as noted by Humane Society International. This marks the first significant resolution against commercial whaling since 2001, reinforcing the ban that has protected whale populations for decades.

Clare Perry of the Environmental Investigation Agency praised the moratorium’s reaffirmation, noting it as a critical message against ongoing whaling efforts. The resolution emphasizes the legal obligations of member states under UNCLOS, urging Japan and other non-compliant nations to adhere to international standards.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Whale Conservation

The repeated failures to establish a South Atlantic Sanctuary highlight the challenges facing global whale conservation. Pro-whaling nations continue to block protective measures, driven by economic and cultural interests, Humane Society International reports. Meanwhile, conservation groups advocate for stronger protections and sustainable alternatives like responsible whale watching.

Experts remain cautiously optimistic.

“The IWC has clearly demonstrated its relevance this week and taken a strong stand against the continued commercial whaling,” Perry told EIA International. However, the ongoing opposition to sanctuary proposals suggests that achieving comprehensive protection for whales will require persistent advocacy and international cooperation.

The failure to establish the South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary is a significant blow to conservation efforts, but the reaffirmation of the global moratorium provides a foundation for future initiatives. As environmental pressures mount, the global community must find ways to bridge divides within the IWC and prioritize the survival of these majestic marine creatures.

Click below and tell the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to reconsider the South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary and take action for whales!